“Rulers persecute me without cause, but my heart trembles at your word.” Psalm 119:161
This is an astounding statement. When persecuted by powerful rulers, the psalmist is not afraid, he is not shaken—but it is his fear of God, his awe and fear of God’s Word that causes him to tremble.
This is faith in the unseen, believing and obeying the intangible in the face of very present pressure. I am not there yet—I am very aware of and responsive to what I can see, and am only developing the life in the unseen, beginning with praise in and for all things.
“I rejoice in your promise like one who finds great spoil” (Ps. 119:162). This is another statement of faith. Think how I would rejoice in getting 100 million dollars. Yet your Word, Lord, is far more valuable than that. I should treasure it thusly, spending time in it, thinking about it, delighting in it, rejoicing in it.
“Great peace have they who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble” (Ps. 119:165).
Praise you, Lord God, that your law clarifies reality for us. You are absolutely sovereign: no wisdom, no insight, no plan can succeed against you (Prov. 21:30). You control and filter all that comes to us; and along with your protection, you give us, who are weak in ourselves, more than enough grace to deal with it.
You have purpose and meaning in whatever comes. The greatest purposes are our being able to give honor to you, and our spiritual growth along with shining the gospel to all those around us. With these truths as our light, we needn’t stumble into the traps of complaining, fear, selfishness and pride.
You are moving all events to a conclusion and are carrying us along at your side in the process. The outcome of our lives is certain (an exit from this world into your arms) and the outcome of history is certain (all evil will be confined to Hell, creation will be “untwisted” and all will be made anew) and our future is secure (we will spend eternity with you).
The confidence that you are at work—deeply, mightily, inexorably—brings growth in faith, rest in you and joy in life. We can know through your law of your great and mighty working, of your powerful, perfect, persistent plan for the universe. We can know of the significant role you have for each of your children, including a personally prepared place in Heaven.
“I wait for your salvation, O LORD, and I follow your commands” (Ps. 119:166).
Knowing what is coming, we can patiently wait for what you will bring, and while waiting, confidently follow your commands. You, Lord God, are Light, you are Love, you are Life. You work for good, you bring about good, you are only good. Your wisdom is right and true, solid and sure, far beyond our comprehension and totally trustable. You are the only One, the only purpose worth living for.
Prayer: “I exalt you, King of Glory, I honor you, God of Love, I praise you, Lord of Justice, I adore you, Ruler of Mercy. To you may there be honor and glory today in my motives, attitudes, thoughts, words and actions before you, before the unseen spirit world, before men, before myself. Amen.”
